Communication Campaigns Research Articles

Burden of cervical cancer in India: estimates of years of life lost, years lived with disability and disability adjusted life years at national and subnational levels using the National Cancer Registry Programme data

BackgroundCervical cancer is ranked as the second most common cancer in India. This study aims to assess the cervical cancer burden at the national and subnational level in India, projecting it for the year 2025 in terms of years of life lost (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs).MethodsTwenty-eight population based cancer registries within the National Cancer Registry Programme network contributed cancer incidence and mortality data for this analysis. The DisMod-II tool, WHO lifetables, disability weights, mortality to incidence ratio, sample registration system, and census data were used to estimate the burden of cervical cancer. The projection estimates for 2025 were performed using a negative binomial regression model.ResultsIn 2016, the cervical cancer burden in India was 223.8 DALYs per 100,000 women. The highest age-standardised DALYs were found in the northeast region (290.1 DALYs per 100,000 women) and the lowest in the eastern region (156.1 DALYs per 100,000 women). The states of Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Nagaland had a higher cervical cancer burden with DALYs exceeding 300 per 100,000 women. The projected cervical cancer burden for India in 2025 was estimated to be 1.5 million DALYs.ConclusionsThe study has found a significant cervical cancer burden across the regions of India, providing a baseline for monitoring impact of actions. Enhancing awareness of cervical cancer, advocating for the significance of screening, and promoting HPV vaccination among adolescents, families, and communities through informative communication campaigns are essential steps in managing and ultimately eliminating cervical cancer in India.

Leveraging local knowledge to contextualize the opioid epidemic within HEALing Communities Study communities: A Photovoice protocol

Since its inception 30 years ago, Photovoice has gained increasing popularity as a research method and more recently has been incorporated within randomized controlled trial (RCT) designs. Photovoice is a participatory action research method that pairs photography with focus group discussions to record community strengths and concerns, build critical consciousness, and reach policymakers. Adherence of Photovoice implementation to these original tenets of Photovoice varies. This article provides the Photovoice protocol developed by the authors to improve the methodological rigor of Photovoice integration into RCTs and help contextualize the landscape for the HEALing Communities Study (HCS: NCT04111939), a greater than $350 million investment by the National Institute on Drug Abuse along with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to reduce opioid overdose deaths in 67 of the hardest-hit communities in four states (Kentucky, Massachusetts, New York, and Ohio). The product of a cross-state collaboration, this HCS Photovoice protocol provides ethical and methodological tools for incorporating Photovoice into RCT designs to enhance community engagement, communication campaigns, and data-driven decision-making about evidence-based practice selection and implementation.

Vaccination Week in the Americas: An Ongoing Initiative to Strengthen and Sustain Measles and Rubella Elimination in the Region.

Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA) is a yearly regional initiative that promotes the benefits of vaccination to all persons in the region. In its 22-year history, more than 1.15 billion people have been reached under the framework of VWA across more than 40 countries and territories. This review examines multiple PAHO and WHO data points, documents and reports related to measles/rubella vaccination coverage and VWA since its inception. Its goal is to document the impact that the VWA has had in maintaining and accelerating measles and rubella disease elimination, in the context of PAHO's Disease Elimination Initiative. The results suggest that VWA's contributions to measles and rubella elimination have been substantial. Every year, VWA promotes (a) renewed political commitment to the immunization program from the highest political authorities of Member States; (b) vaccination operations to close immunity gaps, recover under-vaccinated persons, and reach chronically underserved populations; and (c) the dissemination of messages on the benefits of vaccination through regional and national communications campaigns. VWA will continue to be an important contributor to disease elimination efforts in the Americas, even as new targets are set in response to the evolving epidemiological landscape.

Social Marketing in Health Emergencies: Content analysis of Campaigns from Public Sector and Nonprofit Organizations

ABSTRACT Communication campaigns to encourage individuals to adopt social norms became a priority in the public sector due to the spread of COVID-19. For this, a content analysis of campaigns issued in English and Spanish for COVID-19 was carried out using Google as a search platform. Fifty-two campaigns launched in 17 countries throughout the year 2020 were analyzed, with a total sample of 504 messages. Research identified that the visibility of the desired behavior was the mechanism increasingly used by the different institutions to inform and persuade the acceptance of new social norms. The campaigns promoted awareness of the virus (descriptive social norms to follow), then they appealed to self-responsibility for contagion, and finally being able to deal with the frustration of confinement. It was identified that most campaigns were merely informative, and that testimony or cultural images were the styles least used.

Identification with Characters of a National Narrative Health Communication Campaign Targeting Type 2 Diabetes

ABSTRACT Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has a high prevalence in Germany. Tailored health communication campaigns are part of preventing T2DM at a societal level, with narrative approaches as a promising communication strategy. The aim of this study was to qualitatively examine identification with characters as a potential narrative effect mechanism within a national T2DM communication campaign (Slogan: “Diabetes – not only a question of type”). In doing so, characters’ liking and perceived similarity were explored as antecedents of identification. For this purpose, nine focus groups comprising a total of 76 participants diagnosed with T2DM were conducted. Two of these focus groups consisted entirely of participants of Turkish descent. An assessment was developed to measure the extent to which participants liked, perceived themselves to be similar to, and identified with different characters presented via three videoclip formats (live action, animated cartoons, and celebrity testimonials) from a national diabetes communication campaign. Live action and celebrity testimonial characters were mostly perceived as likeable. However, level of identification was low, and participants felt an overall lack of similarity regarding both personal and disease-related characteristics as compared to these characters. Animated cartoons were perceived as less stigmatizing, but also as less engaging. The study indicates that liking without a feeling of similarity to a character is not sufficient to elicit identification. Further, the reinforcement of harmful T2DM stereotypes should be avoided in health communications to prevent reactance and to increase generalizability.

Diabetes misconceptions, seriousness, motivation, self-efficacy and stigma: A cross-sectional comparison of eight Australian diabetes communication campaign videos.

This study examines potential intended (attitudes, motivation and self-efficacy) and unintended (stigmatisation of diabetes) consequences of past Australian National Diabetes Week campaign videos. Further, outcomes are compared by the extent to which participants perceived their allocated video as stigmatising diabetes. In this cross-sectional, ten-arm study, participants (adults with or without diabetes; 1:2 ratio) were randomly allocated to view one of eight archival diabetes campaign videos (intervention), or either an active or passive control group. Post-exposure, study-specific scales measured diabetes Misconceptions and Seriousness, General and Diabetes Risk-Reduction Motivation and Self-efficacy, and perceptions of video Stigmatisation of diabetes. Scores were compared by condition (intervention vs. control) and by campaign Stigma (highest vs. lowest tertile score), separately by cohort (with or without diabetes). The sample included n = 1023 without diabetes; and n = 510 with diabetes (79% type 2 diabetes). No significant differences in outcomes were observed between conditions (intervention vs. control), with one exception: a modest effect on General Self-efficacy among those without diabetes only. Those perceiving high campaign Stigma (15%), relative to low Stigma (60%), reported significantly greater diabetes Misconceptions, lower perceived Seriousness and (among those without diabetes only) lower General Motivation but higher Diabetes Risk Reduction Motivation. Though limited to a single-exposure, we found little meaningful positive influence of past diabetes campaign videos on diabetes attitudes, behavioural intentions or self-efficacy. Further, campaign videos were perceived as stigmatising by a minority-a potential harmful impact. This novel study has implications for the design, implementation and evaluation of future diabetes campaigns.

Issues Associated with Media and Health Information Seeking Behavior Among the Elderly in Kenya

Understanding issues associated with media and health information-seeking behavior among the elderly, aids in tailoring public communication campaigns, ultimately enhancing a healthier and more resilient community. In Kibra slum, the elderly face limited access to health resources, including accessibility to a variety of health information sources, exacerbating their informational gap. This hinders their ability to make informed decisions, potentially leading to delayed or inadequate healthcare, further compromising their well-being. The primary objective of this study is to investigate issues associated with media and health information-seeking behavior among the elderly in one of Africa’s biggest slums, Kibera. Interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews targeting the elderly living in Kibera slum were conducted. Qualitative findings indicated that social support, health status, and media-related issues were associated with media and health information seeking among elderly slum dwellers. These issues shaped media use for seeking health information. The study recommends that health stakeholders should aim to understand these issues to effectively address the unique health needs of this population.

Cyberaddiction to TikTok during the COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose The purpose of this study is to shed light on the determinants of TikTok cyberaddiction during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the resulting attitudinal and intentional reactions of users. Design/methodology/approach An online survey of 305 young TikTok users was conducted to test the research hypotheses. Data was analyzed through a partial least sqaures approach. Findings The results highlight the mediating role of cyberaddiction to TikTok in the relationship between psychological disorders (anxiety and loneliness) and attitude toward TikTok. Indeed, it was found that anxiety and loneliness contribute to TikTok cyberaddiction. The latter would have a positive effect on attitude toward TikTok, which decreases in the presence of fear of missing out (FOMO). It was also proven that attitude toward TikTok has a positive impact on attitude toward the brands promoted on this platform, resulting in an increase in purchasing intentions. Research limitations/implications This study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is therefore interesting to replicate it to see if the research model can be still validated in the absence of an emergency situation. Testing the model on a larger target, including older TikTok users, could also lead to interesting findings. Practical implications Knowledge of the psychological factors behind cyberaddiction should not be seen as an opportunity to take advantage from addicted shoppers’ vulnerability. Managers should rather limit communication campaigns on TikTok during crisis periods, undertake retargeting actions by sparing vulnerable TikTok users and avoid stimulating anxiety and loneliness which can lead to cyberaddiction and compulsive purchases. Originality/value This study sheds light on the central role of cyberaddiction to TikTok in the relationship between psychological disorders and users’ reactions, during a pandemic. It focused on the moderating role of FOMO on the relationship between determinants of cyberaddiction and attitude toward TikTok. Escape theory and attachment theory were used and adapted to the context of social media.

Environmental communication and disaster mitigation by mobile application and website

Background: Indonesia is a disaster-prone area, situated in the equatorial zone where several tectonic plates converge, and the Ring of Fire runs through. Indonesia requires an effective disaster mitigation system to minimize risks and losses during disasters. Meteorological, Climatological, and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) is a non-departmental government institution. Through its mobile application and official website, BMKG actively provides various information accessible to all Indonesians. Purpose: The research aimed to understand how BMKG conducts environmental communication and disaster mitigation through a mobile application and website. Methods: This research is descriptive qualitative using a constructive paradigm. The data was collected using documentation and observation studies. The authors carried out content analysis using Philipp Mayring’s methods on the “Info BMKG” application and the website http://www.bmkg.go.id/. Results: The BMKG application and website cover some aspects of environmental communication, including rhetoric, media, public participation, and education campaigns, delivering a range of environmental messages. They facilitate disaster mitigation by providing information and vulnerability maps for different types of disasters but lack details on regulatory measures and planning for disaster-prone areas. Conclusion: The BMKG application and website effectively communicate environmental and disaster-related information but need to improve coverage, speed of notifications, and include more details on regulation and planning for disaster-prone areas. Implications: This study suggests the need to enhance the platforms’ content and user education. Besides, it emphasizes theoretical implications for communication, public participation, and media theories in the context of disaster risk reduction.

Consumer affinity as a key factor to mitigate reluctance to buy foreign products: The moderating role of organic and induced image to counteract negative communication campaigns and image crises

Research background: Anti-consumption practices, in particular consumers’ reluctance to buy (RTB) foreign products, are increasingly common in today’s globalised and interconnected markets. This phenomenon is accentuated by the impact of negative consumer dispositions (e.g., animosity or ethnocentrism), which contribute to an unfavourable perception of foreign products and, consequently, increase RTB. However, knowledge about possible factors that may mitigate this RTB foreign products is limited, and even less is known about the influence that positive dispositions (e.g., affinity) may have on consumer perceptions and consumption/non-consumption decisions. Moreover, consumers are inundated with information from various sources, which can significantly influence their perceptions and image of a product-country, especially in a context associated with negative communication campaigns and image crises. Purpose of the article: This research delves into the study of consumer affinity towards a foreign country, understood as an emotional feeling or positive disposition of a consumer that may mitigate their RTB foreign products, which often results from negative communication campaigns and a country-product image crisis. In addition, its influence on perceived risk and value, and the impact of these on RTB, is investigated. The moderating effect of the organic and induced image formed by the consumer on the risk-value relationship is also analysed, determining whether the induced image undermines this relationship. Methods: The empirical study focuses on the Spanish agri-food sector, which has been the subject of negative communication campaigns and image crises in foreign markets. The conceptual model was tested in a sample of German consumers, as Germany is the primary destination country for these products and has also been the origin of several image crises in this sector. PLS-SEM was used to validate the proposed hypotheses. Findings & value added: This research underlines the importance of fostering feelings of affinity towards a country and its products as a means to counteract negative campaigns, increase perceived value and mitigate RTB in foreign destination markets. Companies and public institutions, which influence the formation of the induced image in consumers, can contribute to improving consumers’ perception of a product-country. By shedding light on these dynamics, this study offers valuable insights for companies trying to cope with image crises fuelled by negative communication campaigns, which are increasingly prevalent in the competitive international landscape.

Interpersonal communication approach in addressing TB stigma in Bandung City

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) patients face medical challenges and stigmatization from their surroundings. The Terjang Foundation is actively working to combat societal stigma towards TB patients. Purpose: This research analyzes the Terjang Foundation’s interpersonal communication approach to combating stigma towards TB patients. By understanding and assessing the communication methods employed by the foundation, the study aims to contribute to developing effective strategies for reducing the negative stigma associated with TB. Methods: This research utilizes a qualitative research method with a case study approach. In-depth interviews, field observations, and literature reviews are conducted to gather relevant data and insights. Results: The results of this study indicate that the Terjang Foundation employs five positive attitudes in their interpersonal communication approach to combat stigma towards TB patients: openness, empathy, positivity, equality, and supportiveness. These attitudes contribute to fostering an environment that challenges the negative stigma associated with TB. Continuous and frequent communication is crucial in combating stigma, promoting understanding and empathy, and disseminating accurate information. Empathy and equality emerge as prominent positive attitudes consistently demonstrated in communication. Conclusion: The study concludes that maintaining an ongoing and frequent communication process is essential for combating stigma in interpersonal communication efforts. Implications: The research findings have both practical and theoretical implications. Practically, the study emphasizes the importance of adopting positive attitudes, such as empathy and equality, in interpersonal communication strategies to reduce stigma towards TB patients. These insights can guide organizations, healthcare providers, and policymakers in developing effective communication campaigns and interventions to combat stigma related to TB and other diseases.

An Effective Health System Approach to End TB: Implementing the Double X Strategy in Vietnam.

Countries that are high burden for TB must reverse the COVID-19 pandemic's devastating effects to accelerate progress toward ending TB. Vietnam's Double X (2X) strategy uses chest radiography (CXR) and GeneXpert (Xpert) rapid diagnostic testing to improve early detection of TB disease. Household contacts and vulnerable populations (e.g., individuals aged 60 years and older, smokers, diabetics, those with alcohol use disorders, and those previously treated for TB) with and without TB symptoms were screened in community campaigns using CXRs, followed by Xpert for those with a positive screen. In public non-TB district facilities, diabetics, respiratory outpatients, inpatients with lung disease, and other vulnerable populations underwent 2X evaluation. During COVID-19 restrictions in Vietnam, the 2X strategy improved access to TB services by decentralization to commune health stations, the lowest level of the health system, and enabling self-screening using a quick response mobile application. The number needed to screen (NNS) with CXRs to diagnose 1 person with TB disease was calculated for all 2X models and showed the highest yield among self-screeners (11 NNS with CXR), high yield for vulnerable populations in communities (60 NNS) and facilities (19 NNS), and moderately high yield for household contacts in community campaigns (154 NNS). Computer-aided diagnosis for CXRs was incorporated into community and facility implementation and improved physicians' CXR interpretations and Xpert referral decisions. Integration of TB infection and TB disease evaluation increased eligibility for TB preventive treatment among household contacts, a major challenge during implementation. The 2X strategy increased the rational use of Xpert, employing a health system-wide approach that reached vulnerable populations with and without TB symptoms in communities and facilities for early detection of TB disease. This strategy was effectively adapted to different levels of the health system during COVID-19 restrictions and contributed to post-pandemic TB recovery in Vietnam.

An Almost Empty Scoping Review: State of the Research on Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Messaging Strategies for Black and/or Latine LGBTQ+ Youth and Young Adults

ABSTRACT Research has yet to offer strong recommendations for effective tobacco prevention and cessation messaging that can reduce tobacco-related health disparities among Black and/or Latine LGBTQ+ youth and young adults. As a result of predatory marketing strategies and community stressors, among other factors, LGBTQ+ youth and young adults use tobacco products at higher rates than their non-LGBTQ+ peers. These disparities are uniquely complex among Black and/or Latine youth and young adults within the LGBTQ+ community, but there has been little research addressing the communication strategies that can promote tobacco prevention and cessation for these groups. Given the promise and history of successful health communication campaigns for tobacco control, this research is crucial. We thus conducted a scoping review to identify trends and gaps in the empirical research published from 2002–2022 that analyzed tobacco prevention and cessation communication strategies for Black and/or Latine LGBTQ+ youth and young adults (ages 12–30) living in the United States. Despite an initial search query of 3,182 articles after deleting duplicates, only five articles were eligible for inclusion, three of which evaluated the This Free Life campaign. Accordingly, we view our scoping review as an almost empty review. Although our results offer preliminary insight into messaging strategies used in these campaigns, our larger contribution is to expose the scarcity of tobacco-related communication research being conducted among Black and/or Latine LGBTQ+ communities. Given the marginalization these communities face, we issue a call to action for researchers and campaign designers and offer a series of suggestions for future research.

Metaverse as a means for branding: a new approach to communication aesthetics

Digital technologies are changing the landscape of brands communication with consumers. The relevance of studying metaverses as a means communication is determined by the growing popularity of this digital media. The object of study of this article is metaverse, an important component of which is the new aesthetics in the formation of a dialogue between the brand and the consumer. The subject is forms and methods of aesthetic communication. The purpose of the article is to identify possible formats for the interaction of brands with metaverses that demonstrate unlimited possibilities in new aesthetics. The theoretical aspects of the research are represented as the methods of entry into metaverses. To analyze the empirical base, the author relies on a methodology that identifies different aspects in the aesthetics of brand communication through metaverses. The author’s research was carried out on the basis of the Medialogy media monitoring system and represents the data for two years: 60 communication campaigns reflected in 12,459 media texts of mass media and social media of different typological segments. Despite the lack of mass character in the promotion of such projects, the author believes that there is enormous potential in the format of interaction between brands and metaverses: the number of such campaigns is growing, they leave a ‘digital trace’, but do not always fit into the format of professional competitions or fall into focus of media attention. The author dwells in detail on the analysis of the case of the winner of “The Newsbreak – 2022” competition (Russia) and a random case of the Samsung brand, which is close in concept to the winner, but did not participate in the competition. The author demonstrates its potential for media coverage and social media. The results of the study show that brands’ interest in metaverses as a means for promotion will grow as it allows them to reveal brand aesthetics and create a new type of immersive relationship with audiences.

Assessment of Knowledge, Perception and Practice Toward Lassa Fever Prevention Among Residents of Akure South Local Government, Ondo State

Lassa fever is an extremely virulent and highly infectious disease endemic in West Africa, including Nigeria. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices against Lassa fever among adult residents of Akure South Local Government in Ondo State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study design was utilized, with data collected from adults in the LGA during a recent outbreak. The study involved systematic random sampling of approximately 300 adults, with data collected via pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaires. The study employed a multi-stage sampling technique and used a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using frequency distribution tables, simple percentages, and bar charts. The findings indicated that only 33.6% of respondents had good knowledge of Lassa fever, while 54.3% practiced good food and environmental hygiene. Most respondents were female, highly literate, and predominantly Yoruba. Despite high awareness, misconceptions about Lassa fever's origin and nature persisted, with many believing it was discovered in Congo or considering it a chronic disease. Effective prevention practices such as proper food storage were acknowledged, aligning with recommendations to avoid contact with Mastomys rodents and maintain cleanliness to prevent rodent infestations. The study concluded that there is a need for improved risk communication, ongoing sensitization, and specific educational campaigns to enhance understanding and preventive behaviors regarding Lassa fever. Further research is recommended to expand these findings across Ondo State and compare risk perceptions in affected and unaffected communities.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF JOURNALISM IN THE POLITICAL ADVOCACY OF HEALTH POLICY IN INDONESIA?

In this short commentary article, the complex association between journalism, health policy, and political campaigning in Indonesia is explained, in need of more scholarly expansion. Within those limitations, the paper does alert to the necessary function journalism serves intrinsic to the public discourse that drives health policy recommendations, as well as noting how this has been perverted by misinformation and dwindling faith in the media. The article examines how journalism (including digital and social media) has shaped health policy advocacy and public opinion and highlights the role of the media in health communication campaigns and policy reform. Through scrutiny of its role in health policy advocacy, with a broader look at how journalism roles have shifted over time. In this article, the author demonstrated that journalism is a bridge between health policy experts and the public, enabling a more informed democratic engagement with health policy. These conclusions highlight the need to build a nexus between democratic journalism and health policy advocacy for public health priorities in Indonesia. Keywords: health policy, journalism, political campaign

The Role of Salience and Memory in Fertility Decisions: Experimental Evidence

Public policies use communication campaigns to affect individual behavior. We analyze how providing women with information on the beneficial effects of using formal childcare may affect their realized fertility. We argue that cues in the messages are particularly salient for mothers and women with fertility intensions, since they activate these women’s past memories. Hence, cues induce these women to create mental representations of future actions, such as realized fertility. We exploit a randomized survey experiment run in 2011, which provides information on the positive effects that attending daycare may have on the children’ future cognitive development. Using a follow-up survey run six-year later we show that the treatment increases realized fertility among mothers and women with declared fertility intentions, for whom the communication was more salient. Yet, the treatment did not affect the individual knowledge nor recall of the information provided in the message. Our results carry important policy implications: persuading individuals is difficult, but communication can be effective if salient.

Topic Diversity in Social Media Campaigning: A Study of the 2022 Australian Federal Election

This study explores the diversity of topics in political campaign communication on social media during the 2022 Australian federal election. While political campaigns on social media are often associated with both persuasive and mobilising appeals, this research focuses on understanding the differences in persuasive content by comparing organic (non-targeted) and paid (targeted) political communication. Analysing the Australian context, which follows a Westminster system, with compulsory voting, we utilise data from the federal election 2022 to investigate how political actors employ persuasive communication strategies. Through topic modelling, we examine whether distinct themes vary in content and prevalence between organic and paid social media content disseminated by political parties and candidates. Our analysis revealed that the differences in topic diversity between paid and organic content do not seem to be substantial, despite popular concerns about higher personalisation due to advertising targeting which could lead to information fragmentation of the electorate. Both types of content predominantly focus on core political topics, aligning with party ideologies and include overall campaign information (e.g., on election procedures). However, government critique emerges as a distinct topic in both organic and paid content signalling the usage of negative campaigning to weaken opposing parties. In conclusion, this study suggests that the strategic manipulation of the electorate through social media during the Australian federal election in 2022 was limited. Nonetheless, the prevalence of negative appeals towards the government and opposing parties raises questions about the potential impact on citizens’ trust in democracy and institutions.

Shining a Spotlight on Stigma: Exploring Its Impact on Oral Health-Seeking Behaviours Through the Lenses of Patients and Caregivers.

Introduction The unique nature of a lack of good oral health, coupled with the lack of discussion and recognition surrounding the associated stigma, highlights it as a distinct issue. This stigma causes discomfort, devalues individuals, and necessitates urgent care and intervention. In Pakistan, a variety of reasons, including cultural beliefs, socioeconomic gaps, and poor access to dental care services, tend to exacerbate the stigma that is associated with dental care. This study aimed to determine the impact of stigma on oral health-seeking behaviours amongst the population of South Punjab in Pakistan. Methodology The study employed a qualitative design with a phenomenological approach, and the data collection was preceded by the administration of semi-structured interview guides and discussion guides to the patients and the consultant group, respectively. The targeted population was composed of patients who had reported stigmatization and a focus group of 10 dental consultants from various specialisations in dentistry. Data was collected until saturation from 16 patients who were recruited through the purposive convenience sampling technique. Results The study identified three themes, including perceived stigmaimpact on health-seeking behaviours and coping mechanisms; 10 subthemes emerged. Results showed social attitudes and unhealthy perceptions of oral conditions that lead to shame, loss of self-esteem, and lack of confidence among affected individuals. Behavioural reactions like mockery and discrimination further made it difficult for the participants who sought dental care and treatment. The study highlighted that stigma resulted in the avoidance of dental care, deterioration of oral health, and a tendency towards self-medication. People also used coping strategies such as hiding dental issues by avoiding social gatherings and seeking help from close friends to manage oral health stigma. Dental consultants had the strong opinion that care quality could be enhanced by utilising compassionate communication and patient education campaigns. Conclusions The experiences of patients and consultants related to dental stigmahighlighted the complex interplay of sociocultural norms and healthcare practices. The study demonstrated that perceived stigmaimpacted the health-seeking behaviours of patients. Social support and education about oral health helped patients overcome this stigma. The study revealed that patients avoided dental treatments due to stigmatised behaviour from health professionals, a lack of affordability, and a feeling of shame to show and discuss the condition of their teeth, which got even worse due to self-remedy. The experiences of patients and consultants highlighted the need for increased advocacy, educational campaigns, and policies that can reduce inequalities in oral health and improve health equity. The study recommends specific intervention strategies and policy formulation to address oral health inequalities and contribute to advancing oral health equity in Pakistan.

On the irrelevance of (peat-free) substrates - Qualitative insights into the social practices of hobby gardeners in Germany

Reducing peat consumption in hobby gardening offers considerable potential for reducing CO2 emissions, since peatlands are one of the most important natural carbon sinks. While existing research focuses on the products and their diffusion, we focus on people and their practices of gardening. So we conducted 44 interviews with hobby gardeners in Germany from three different contexts: gardening at home, in an allotment garden, and in an urban gardening initiative. Our findings show that substrates are not a major part of gardeners' social interactions. Purchasing substrates is a utility-driven process with, compared to gardening itself, mostly passive information behavior. Although (basic) knowledge about peat is widespread among hobby gardeners, price is the dominant purchase criterion for substrates; sustainability does not play an important role. Our results suggest that communication campaigns by governments and companies should convey substrate-related messages in those places where gardeners go to seek information, e.g. gardening-related publications. Communication should focus on the functional value of peat-free substrates and not just explain environmental benefits. Lastly, campaigns should target home gardeners rather than urban gardeners and allotment gardeners who rarely buy any substrates but rely on their own production.